Mine was one of many career change stories featured in an article in February 2001 in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The following is what I originally submitted to the Inquirer:

I used to do traffic reports on TV and radio, most notably for NBC10. I got fired because they wanted a change in the line up. I then anchored news for the startup news service which was eventually bought by Comcast but I quit before it got far off the ground. It was ugly in the beginning and I was making VERY little money (less than a third of my traffic salary with no benefits) so I bailed out. I made another couple attempts to stay in the field but in the end I opted out because I found myself competing in a crowded marketplace with recent college grads who were willing to take risky jobs for less money.

Now I teach third graders. This is my third year as a full time assistant teacher at an independent school. I expect to finish my graduate degree and be certified to teach Kindergarten to 6th grade by next spring. Ideally I'd like to be teaching my own class this fall. I enjoyed being on TV and radio. I worked with a good bunch of people and the job didn't require long hours or involve hard labor but the choice to teach is a no brainer. You make a difference everyday even when you don't feel like it. You need only think back to the contributions your teachers made to you and you know that on your worst days you're doing good work.

In 2004, I acquired my M.Ed. and K-6 certification. I currently teach 3rd grade at Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia.

• Teaching Experience

3rd Grade Teacher, Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia

September 2008 to present
Team teach 3rd grade homeroom. Responsible for Math and Social Studies portions of curriculum. (recently updated, more later)

Technology Teacher, Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia

September 2004 to May 2008
Responsible for teaching computer skills to approximately 160 students in grades 1 to 5, for developing and documenting ISTE standards-aligned technology curriculum, and for faculty technology training and support. Extensive experience with SMART Boards and ActivBoards, with educational software applications as well as experience teaching the use of Microsoft Office programs in support of appropriate educational goals. Also experienced in use of media and web design applications in Adobe Creative Suite and Joomla! CMS.

Assistant Teacher, Springside School, Philadelphia

September 2001 to May 2004.
Full-time position as assistant to lead teacher in 2nd grade (01-02, 02-03) and 3rd grade (03-04) at this PK-12 independent school for girls.
Taught 4th grade digital video unit.
Substituted or assisted in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 3rd grade, 4th grade, Environmental Education, and Technology classes.
Supervised Early Birds (early a.m. arrivals) and worked at coordinate After School Care program with Springside School and Chestnut Hill Academy students. 

• Education

Arcadia University, Master of Education Elementary education concentration

Graduated May 2005 with distinction (4.0 GPA). Pennsylvania certified to teach Kindergarten to 6th grades.